The third round of the World Supersport Championship at Valencia was a frustrating event for HANNspree-supported riders after the second round podium clean sweep at Phillip Island. Gianluca Nannelli was the highest finishing HANNspree rider in fifth place, while HANNspree Ten Kate Honda’s Jonathan Rea was the second highest finishing HANNspree rider in sixth.
Australian Andrew Pitt looked set to repeat his success at round two at Phillip Island with the pole position for today’s Supersport race. However, the HANNspree Ten Kate Honda rider lost the front end of his CBR600RR and was forced into the gravel. Pitt therefore had to settle for 19th position at the chequered flag, and wasn’t able to improve his championship position.
Meanwhile, despite sustaining a severely bruised shoulder after a heavy practice day crash, HANNspree Honda Althea’s Nannelli rode consistently to score a top five finish. He was followed closely by determined Ulsterman Rea, who after a successful campaign in the 2007 British Superbike Championship, is looking to make his mark on the world stage.
HANNspree Stiggy Motorsport’s Josh Brookes suffered technical problems during the opening laps and was unable to complete race distance. His team-mate Robbin Harms was also forced to retire from the race when he crashed out of contention at half race distance.
Ronald ten Kate, Team Manager
The conditions on the track during the Supersport race were difficult as we could see from all the crashes. Andrew was maybe pushing a little bit too hard early in the race. It is unfortunate we have lost some valuable points here today but its still early season and nobody has claimed a firm lead in the standings so far.
Andrew Pitt, 19th
What can I say, I crashed when I shouldn't. Am just really disappointed that I'm losing points here.
Jonathan Rea, 6th
It has been a difficult race for me. From the first lap I had no confidence in the front tyre, which made the bike move around a lot. I was also struggling with some parts of the circuit but am glad I brought the bike home in one piece considering the amount of riders who crashed. I was following some guys when a bike crashed in front of me and spilled oil on the track. I was expecting the race to be stopped but I had to carry on am glad I managed to bring the bike back home safely.
Race Result:
1. J. Lascorz
2. F. Foret
3. C. Jones
4. B. Parkes
5. G. Nannelli
6. J. Rea
7. M. Roccoli
8. A. Rodriguez
9. C. Walker
10. M. Aitchison
19. A. Pitt
DNF. R. Harms
DNF. J. Brookes
Standings After Three Rounds:
1. J. Lascorz 54
2. B. Parkes 38
3. F. Foret 33
4. J. Brookes 33
5. C. Jones 32
6. A. Pitt 25
7. R. Harms 25
8. J. Rea 21
9. G. Vizziello 18
10. G. Nannelli 17
